Search past winners/finalists


  • MESA logo

AutoClaims Direct Inc. - Ernie Bray, CEO

Gold Stevie Award Winner 2012, Click to Enter The 2013 American Business Awards

Company: AutoClaims Direct Inc., Carlsbad, CA
Company Description: AutoClaims Direct is the leading Auto Damage Appraisal and Business Solutions Provider in the property & casualty industry. Founded in 2004, the company made Inc. Magazine's 2009 list of fastest growing companies ranking #14 in nationally in Insurance. AutoClaims Direct experienced 280% growth in 2009 with a strong push of technology solutions coupled with experienced claims professionals
Nomination Category: Management Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Executive of the Year - Insurance

Nomination Title: Ernie Bray, CEO

Tell the story about what this nominee achieved since January 1 2011 (up to 500 words). Focus on specific accomplishments, and relate these accomplishments to past performance or industry norms. Be sure to mention obstacles overcome, innovations or discoveries made, and outcomes:

Ernie Bray has been the driving force of AutoClaims Direct since the formation of the company in 2004. As a former collegiate athlete and current successful business leader, he views business with the same competitive zeal as in athletics and has created an organization, which thrives on teamwork. AutoClaims Direct entered an industry flush with major competitors that had dominated the insurance claims services and technology sector for decades.

Surrounding himself with a core nucleus of smart tech savvy individuals, Ernie pushed the company forward with an organic growth model void of any outside capital or private equity. Bootstrapping the company with his own money, Ernie worked tirelessly on maximizing growth through the development of a top quality product combined with a commitment to the core values of honesty, integrity and superior service. Bray has led his company to 3 consecutive rankings on Inc. Magazine’s List of Fastest Growing Companies in America, 2 consecutive rankings on Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500 of North America, and 2 times San Diego Business Journal’s Fastest 100. Just this year the company was named a Red Herring 100 Finalist.

Through Ernie’s positive leadership, he has navigated the company through one of the worst economic climates in recent history while serving as a catalyst of the company’s growth both financially and through the creation of job opportunities. Ernie’s willingness to forego private equity in favor of an organic growth model based on a strategy of reinvestment and calculated expansion has maintained the company’s solid financial footing. He believes in creating a solid business with reliable careers for his employees as opposed to a quick exit strategy.

In 2011 Ernie oversaw continued expansion of the company with the opening of two new offices including a Headquarters in Carlsbad, CA that includes a full training center. He led the firm to the 3rd year on Inc. Magazine's Fastest Growing Companies list as well as the 2nd straight on Deloitte's Tech Fast 500.

Ernie also developed a new product with his technology team that will again add to further growth in 2012. Through his leadership, the company has been profitable every year since inception and continues to grow at a rapid pace.

Upload a collection of supporting files and web addresses to our server to provide more background information to the judges. You may upload any number of attachments and URLs through the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above. (Do NOT list your URLs below.)

 

Provide a brief (up to 100 words) biography about the nominee:

Ernie Bray is an entrepreneur, business and community leader who has a passion for innovation. He is a published author, industry speaker and has distinguished himself as a proven leader guiding the company he founded to national success and recognition during one of the toughest economic times in U.S. history. Raised in a family of educators and athletes, his passion for competition and learning has carried over to his professional life. His competitive zeal in business blended with his desire to help upcoming entrepreneurs has made Ernie a fantastic leader and role model.